I've never had the pleasure of being able to see a favourite band more than...well..once in the span of less than 6 months. However I can now eat my words since I've just had the chance to experience Tokyo Police Club for the 2nd time since January (3rd time total. Do you remember my luck catching them in Montreal?)!
This time instead of touring with Two Door Cinema Club, they were with another highly addictive band that I crave, Said the Whale.
This concert was completely sold-out over a month ago, so all bands decided to host another performance the following night. Since I already had tickets for the April 18th show, I stuck to my guns. Opening for the co-headlining tour on was the Torontonian band, Dinosaur Bones. Their set was great, however nothing to write home about. It kinda kills me to say that since the guys totally won me over in the end by their interaction with the audience, genuine personalities and that they actually talked to us for quite a while after the show. When they were actually on stage they played as I would expect from a band opening for two major Canadian indie bands. It was hard to make out the vocals for the majority of the set though, which was unfortunate since (after buying the album at the show), Ben Fox's lead vocals are so smooth and add the backbone to the songs. Now you must know, I don't just dish out my money for just any band. They were a solid band, but just need to tweak their live set slightly to allow it to speak properly for the album. As I said above, it was pretty nice that after the entire concert was over the whole Dinosaur Bones band came onto the floor and were just hanging out. They all chatted and the bassist, Branko Skekic, was even letting us in on the fact that, yes! Bands are regular people too! He was mentioning that he loves meeting fans, because when he's back in their hometown he loves going to shows, getting pictures and autographs from HIS favourite bands. Honestly, it was nice to actually hear a musician say it and (hopefully) mean it! It was their first time getting to perform in the West and let me tell you, they definitely enjoyed it! They raved about Calgary's crowd the night before, but were tempted to say Edmonton was even better! Most importantly they were stoked to play again the following night. It warms my heart to hear bands say this, meaning they'll hopefully reappear on the scene! (Bonus indie cred: Skekic and one of the guitarists, Joel Clifton, had done a bit of shopping at Value Village earlier in the day. I bring this up since Clifton hit gold when he found an Edmonton Oilers poncho. You read right, poncho.)
Said the Whale took to the stage around 10pm, and were as vocally great as a recording. However it seems like with a lot of bands you have to choose between a vocally great show, or a stage-personality-driven rock odyssey. Each member of the band played according to what seems like a formula. I of course still sang along to every word (I had been looking forward to seeing this band miles above the rest; Obviously I love TPC, but had just seen them 3 months ago), and it was a much more energetic show than I would've judged it to be beforehand. The energy that Dinosaur Bones injected into the crowd was kept high by the sounds of StW...but it was just not what I was expecting. Expectations aside, they DID play a great set. S My heart melted a little when one of the co-lead-vocalists brought out his ukulele for the songs Goodnight Moon, and Dear Elkhorn. kipping two of my favourite songs, Out on the Shield, and Gentleman, I walked away from it a little disappointed, but that's RE: Expectations. Even though they did play with all the might I never expected, I would've much rather watched them perform at a more relaxed "sit-down" venue, such as the Myer Horowitz. I've never really wished that from a band, but it's been a long long time since I've ever heard a band so lyrically, and melodically strong as Said the Whale. Oh, well, I suppose it gives me a reason to see them again! Hopefully headlining their very own tour next time...? (I must say, it hurt inside having to say a single harmful word about this band. Take a listen to their album "Islands Dissapear". I dare you not to be full of Canadian patriotism afterwards!)
Is there much more I can say about how much I love Dave Monks, and Tokyo Police Club? I think I may have gushed suffieciently during my ramble about their Montreal show, however this show was actually a very different atmosphere than the one I saw in January. In Montreal, at Club Soda, we sat on the second floor, balcony seats, almost disengaged from the actual concert...except for the sounds of course. But as most concert-goers realize, half or more than half of the concert experience includes being right in the sweaty (if thats the type of concert) thick of it. A TPC concert is best taken in high doses to get the complete rush of happiness, sing-a-longs, and strong bass/guitar instrumentals. I've listened to every song this band has put out, and been allowed to see them perform 3 times lives (a 4th to come in May, at Sasquatch in George, Washington). And ever since their beginnings, and my beginnings of fandom, in 2007, they've been a great band, both live, recorded, with energy, and the perfect blend of instruments and vocals. They've significantly improved on their stage presence as well, drawing the audience out of their shell, using their wit along both new and old songs.
I knew this band would be big one day, but I never knew the heights they were able to reach, and it's punch-in-the-face clear that they're no where near the peak of their journey yet. Though, while they do put on a great live show, otherwise I wouldn't keep going back, I feel like their strengths and clean-cut instrumentals are better put on display on recordings (but this downside happens with most bands at live events anyway).
I won't talk about the venue since we all know I've talked about the Starlite Room more times than I know, but I do need to mention the crowd. I was expecting the typical "indie kids", you know the type: skinny jeans, witty or retro shirts, sneakers/boat shoes/dress shoes, floral anything with sometimes a hint of fashion glasses, and a dash of condescension (Don't worry, I'm definitely not knocking the style, it's my style too. Just a description had to be made). And while waiting in line/the beginning of the show that's the exact crowd that turned up to dance. It was clear, about halfway through TPCs set though, that there were some hooligans among us. 6 foot somethinng guys intent on moshing. Not indie moshing either. (consisting of jumping up and down, or dancing as awkwardly as possibl to the beat). This was elbows out, crash into anything in a 2 foot radius, security's literally going to take you out, kinda moshing. It really did wreck a lot of the shows potential. Some people say "If you don't wanna get hit, don't stand near the stage". And excuse my French, but BS. That is a lame excuse to injure the innocent. So for anyone at all reading this plea, next time you attend a concert, just dance. Don't hit, mosh, or unless ABSOLUTELY necessary , circle-dance. Lets just all enjoy the peace and sweet harmonies, and make new friends.
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